Strabane all-rounder Rhys Logue produced a five-star display as the Red caps beat Burndennett in the T20 Cup, although the Red Caps were brought down to earth by league leaders Killyclooney in the league.
“I think we were maybe a bit complacent on Saturday after some really good performances, and paid the price at Killyclooney,” said the 22 year-old. “Their professional Blayde seems to have taken them up a level and he’s definitely a sharp operator.”
Logue missed most of the 2022 season with injury, but is right back on form.
“I went for a catch against St Johnston in a T20 at the start of last season and broke my index finger on my bowling hand. That ruled me out for six weeks and I lost interest in the campaign, and took a back seat.
“This season has started well and I’ve been putting in a lot of hard work and that five-wicket haul against Burndennett was a good reward. Peter and Michael Gillespie are always giving me wee tips, and Ryan Gallagher is great to work in tandem with, and he is always helpful too, as we look to challenge each other to improve.
This was Logue third ‘five-for’ in senior cricket, doing it previously against Ardmore and Brigade, although he is still to claim a hat-trick. Saturday in the cup at home to Newbuildings would be a good time to remedy that.
“We were well beaten there at the start of the season but we back ourselves at the Park. There will be a lot of sides looking at Saturday and thinking this could be our year. Our professional Nasir has settled in really quickly and he brings a lot of quality, knowledge and experience to the team. All the professionals really seem to be firing this year which means every team has an x-factor.
“We have a good bit of variety to our attack this year with plenty of options and change ups. Two of the more unsung members are Vadivel Moorthy who has worked incredibly hard on his consistency over the close season and Andrew Mullen who has joined from Bready. He wasn’t really getting a chance there but has started well for us – a left-arm spinner is gold dust. He is working really hard with Peter and the bowling unit and he’s really progressing.”
If the dry weather continues, it could well be a case of spin to win at the weekend for Logue and Strabane.